tires BMW 320i 2002 User Guide

108n
Tire condition Tire replacementTire damage (up to and including
sudden and complete air loss) can
endanger the lives of both the vehicle
occupants and other road users. response, use only tires of a single
tread configuration from a single manu-
facturer.
DOT Quality GradesTread wear
Traction AA A B C
Temperature A B C
All passenger vehicle tires must
conform to Federal Safety
Requirements in addition to these
grades.< Tread wearThe tread wear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test
course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half (1 g) times as
well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance
of tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road char-
acteristics and climate.
TractionThe traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on speci-
fied government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction.
The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on straight-
ahead braking traction tests, and does
not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction charac-
teristics.< TemperatureThe temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all
passenger vehicle tires must meet

109n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Tire replacementunder the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance
on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
The temperature grade for this tire
is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or
in combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.< Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Tread wear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
Do not use retreaded tires, since
driving safety may be impaired.
This is due to the possible variations in
casing structures and, in some cases,
to their extreme age, which can lead to
a decrease in their durability.<
Tire ageThe date on which the tire was manu-
factured is indicated by the code on the
sidewall:
DOT ... 4101 indicates that the tire was
manufactured in week 41 of the year
2001.
Although tires may have a theoretical
service life of up to 10 years, BMW
strongly recommends that you replace
all tires after an absolute maximum of
6 years.
Safety tires
*
Safety tires consists of self-contained
tires and special rims. The tire rein-
forcement ensures that the tire retains
some residual safety in the event of
pressure drop and driving remains
possible to a restricted degree. The
vehicle is equipped with Tire Pressure
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor,
which indicate a flat tire.
For additional information on Tire Pres-
sure Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor
refer to pages 78 or 80.
Safety tires are only possible in
conjunction with Tire Pressure
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor.<

110n
Wheel and tire combinationsThe right choice
Never mount wheels and tires that
have not been specifically
approved by BMW for use on your
particular model. Although other wheels
and tires may theoretically have the
same dimensions, variations in factors
such as manufacturing tolerances can
result in contact between tire and body-
work, ultimately leading to serious acci-
dents. BMW can not evaluate all tires
and wheels on the market, and is thus
unable to guarantee that the vehicle will
continue to perform safely if unap-
proved tires and/or wheels are
mounted.<
The correct wheel and tire combi-
nation affects various systems
that would otherwise be impaired, for
example ABS, ATC, ASC+T/DSC and
ADB/ADB-X/DBC.
For this reason, use only tires of the
same manufacture and tread configura-
tion. In the event of a flat tire, for
example, remount the approved wheel
and tire combination as soon as
possible.<

111n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Winter tiresChoosing the right tireBMW recommends winter tires (M+S
radial tires) for operation under
inclement winter driving conditions.
While all-season tires (M+S designa-
tion) provide better winter traction than
summer tires with the load ratings H, V,
W, Y and ZR, they generally do not
achieve the performance of winter tires.
In the interest of safe tracking and
steering response, install winter tires
made by the same manufacturer having
the same tread configuration on all four
wheels.
Never exceed the maximum
speed for which the winter tires
are rated.
Unprofessional attempts by laymen to
service tires can lead to damage and
accidents.
Have this work performed by trained
professionals only. Any BMW center
has the required technical knowledge
and the proper equipment and will be
happy to assist you.<
Tire condition, tire pressureOnce the tire wears to below 0.16 in
(4 mm), winter tires display a percep-
tible decrease in their ability to cope
with winter driving conditions, and
should be replaced in the interest of
safety.
Comply with the specified tire inflation
pressures Ñ and be sure to have the
wheel and tire assemblies balanced
every time you change the tires.StorageStore tires in a cool, dry place,
protecting them against light whenever
possible. Protect the tires against
contact with oil, grease and fuel.
Snow chains
*
BMW narrow-link snow chains are
intended for mounting on summer or
winter tires in pairs at the rear wheels
only.
BMW 325xi, 330xi: in an extreme emer-
gency Ð for instance, with the vehicle
stuck on one side, or when obstruc-
tions make it impossible to reach one
tire Ð a chain may also be mounted on
just one tire for the limited period
needed to resolve the problem.
Comply with all manufacturer's safety
precautions when mounting the chains.
You cannot mount snow chains on the
following tires:
225/50 R 16 92
225/45 R 17 91
245/40 ZR 17

132n
Changing a wheelDriving with the space-saver
spare tireDrive cautiously. Do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h).
You can anticipate changes in vehicle
handling such as delayed braking
response, longer braking distances and
sacrifices in roadholding.
The changes in handling characteristics
will be even more pronounced if winter
tires are mounted.
Only one space-saver spare tire
may be mounted at one time.
Reinstall wheels and tires of the same
size and specification as soon as
possible. Maintain correct tire pres-
sures, refer to page 25.<
Safety tires
*
Safety tires consist of self-supporting
tires and special rims. The tire rein-
forcement ensures that the tire retains
some residual safety in the event of
pressure drop and driving remains
possible to a restricted degree. The
vehicle is equipped with Tire Pressure
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor,
which indicate a flat tire.Flat tireIf there is a tire failure, the red warning
lamp symbol lights up. A supplemen-
tary gong is also heard.
For additional information on Tire Pres-
sure Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor
refer to pages 78 or 80.
Reduce vehicle speed carefully to
under 50 mph (80 km/h), avoiding hard
brake applications and steering maneu-
vers.
With the safety tires, you can drive
another approx. 155 miles (250 km) to
reach a safe parking location, a service
station or the nearest BMW center.
With a low vehicle load, this can also be
considerably more than 155 miles
(250 km).Safety tires are only possible in
conjunction with Tire Pressure
Monitor (RDC) or Flat Tire Monitor.<
If the defective wheel can not be seen
as such immediately from the outside,
check the tire inflation pressure at all
four wheels.
Have the tires changed by your
BMW center. For safety reasons,
do not have a safety tire repaired. Your
BMW center has the information
needed for working with safety tires
and is equipped with the necessary
special tools.<
If appropriate, please consult your
BMW center to reequip your
vehicle from summer to winter tires Ð or
vice versa.<

Everything from A to ZDoor mirror48
Doors
electrical malfunction31
locking and unlocking29
manual operation31
DOT Quality Grades108
Draft-free ventilation87, 90
Drive belt17
defect17
Driving notes105
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)73
indicator lamp19
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)73, 74
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)73
indicator lamp19 E
Electric power windows37
Electrical malfunction
doors31
fuel filler door22
luggage compartment
lid33
sliding/tilt sunroof40 Elements of operation14
Emergency release of
luggage compartment lid
from luggage
compartment's interior35
Energy control66
Engine compartment
essentials113
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant117
Engine data140
Engine oil
add115
capacity143
consumption115
level19
level, check115
level, indicator lamp17
pressure17
pressure, indicator
lamp17
Engine, starting56
Engine, switching off57
Exterior mirrors48
F
Failure messages68
Filling capacities143
Fittings, tow starting and
towing135
Flat tire132
Flat Tire
Monitor80, 109, 132
warning lamp17
Flat tires107, 129
Fog lamps83
Follow me home lamps82
Front seat adjustment41
Fuel consumption70
display67
Fuel filler door22
electrical malfunction22
manual operation22
Fuel gauge67
Fuel reserve indicator
lamp67
Fuel specifications23
Fuel tank capacity143
Fuel tank gauge67
Fuel-injection system140
Fuses133
G
Gasoline gauge67
Glove compartment92
Grilles88
Gross vehicle weight142 H
Handbrake58
Hands-free system94
Hazard warning triangle22
HDC (Hill Descent
Control)77
Head restraints44
Headlamp flasher61, 83
Headlamp washer
system114
Headlight control82
Headrests44
Heated seats47
Heavy cargo99
Height141
High beams20, 61, 83
bulb replacement125
Hill Descent Control
(HDC)77
Holder for canned
beverages93
Hood112
Horn14

Everything from A to Z
149n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
I
Ice warning69
Icy roads69
Ignition key28
Ignition lock56
Imprint4
Indicator lamps17
Inflation pressures,
tires24, 107
Inside rearview mirror
automatic dimming
feature49
INSPECTION67
Instrument cluster15
Instrument lighting83
Instruments15
Interface socket for onboard
diagnostics (OBD)121
Interior lamps30, 84
remote control30
Interior motion sensor37
avoiding unintentional
alarms37
deactivate by remote
control30
Interior rearview mirror48
Interlock56
J
Jack129
Jump-starting134 K
Key Memory55
Keys28
with remote control28 L
Lamps and bulbs,
replacement124
Lashing eyes99
LATCH child-restraint
mounting system52
Length141
License plate lamp
bulb replacement128
LIGHTS ON warning82
Litter bag holder93
Load-securing devices99
Lock buttons32
Louvers85
Low beams82
bulb replacement125
Lug wrench129 Luggage compartment35
bulb replacement127
capacity142
floor mat35
floor panel35
Luggage compartment
lid33
bulb replacement127
disconnect from central
locking system33
electrical malfunction33
manual operation33
operate via remote
control30
secure separately33
Luggage compartment
lighting33
Luggage compartment's
interior, emergency
release35
Luggage rack100
Lumbar support43
M
M+S tires111
Maintenance67, 119
Malfunction displays68
Manual operation
doors31
fuel filler door22
luggage compartment
lid33
sliding/tilt sunroof40
Manual seat adjustment42
Manual transmission58
Manually controlled recircu-
lated-air90
MFL (Multifunction steering
wheel)21
Microfilter87, 91
Microphone94
Mirror defrosting48
Mirror memory46
Mirrors48
Modifications,
technical10, 120
Motion sensor, refer to
interior motion sensor
Multifunction steering wheel
(MFL)21

Everything from A to ZN
Navigation system, refer to
the Radio or Onboard
Computer "Owner's
Manual" O
OBD interface socket121
Odometer66
Oil
additives115
capacity143
consumption115
level, checking115
Oil change intervals, refer to
the Service and Warranty
Information Booklet/
Warranty and Service
Guide Booklet
Oil dipstick115
Oil filter change143
OIL SERVICE67
Onboard Computer, refer to
the "Onboard Computer
Owner's Manual"
Onboard tool kit124 Opening and closing
from the inside32
via the door lock31
via the remote control29
Outlets, ventilation88
Outside temperature
display69
P
Paintwork, refer to the
"Caring for your vehicle"
manual
Park assistant71
Park Distance Control
(PDC)71
Parking aid71
Parking brake58
Parking lamps82
bulb replacement125
Passenger-side mirror tilt
function47
PDC (Park Distance
Control)71
Phone, refer to cellular
phone
Power140
Power windows37
safety switch38
Premium sound system91
Q
Quality Grades, tires108 R
Radiator143
Rain sensor62
RDC (Tire Pressure
Monitor)78
warning lamp17
Reading lamps
front84
rear84
Rear center 3-point belt96
Rear lamps127
Rear reading lamps84
Rear window
defroster86, 90
Rear-seat backrest,
removable96
Rearview mirror48
Recirculated-air mode86
Reclining seat41
Refueling22
Remote control29
Removable rear-seat
backrest96
Reporting safety defects11
Roller sun blind91
Roof weight142
Roof-mounted luggage
rack100
S
Safe with safety belts41
Safety belts45
height adjustment45
Safety defects, reporting11
Safety tires109, 132
Seat adjustment41
Seat heating47
Seat memory46
Seat, manually adjusted42
Seats41
Securing cargo99
Securing child-restraint
system54
Selector lever, automatic
transmission59
Service and Warranty Infor-
mation Booklet (US
models)119
Service Interval
Display67, 119
Setting temperature86
Shiftlock59
Side airbags49
Side Impact Head Protection
System49
Sitting correctly with
airbags41
Ski bag97

Everything from A to Z
151n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Sliding/tilt sunroof39
electrical malfunction40
manual operation40
Socket95
Sound system91
Space-saver spare
tire25, 132
Spare tire129
Speedometer15
Sports seat
electrical adjustment43
manual adjustment42
Standing lamps83
Starting the engine56
Steering wheel47
Steering wheel lock56
Stopping the vehicle57
Storage compartments92
Storing heavy loads99
Stroke140
Sun blind cover91
Switching off the engine57
Symbols used in this
manual8
Synthetic oils116
T
Tachometer66
Tail lamps
bulb replacement127
Tank capacity143
Technical data140
Technical
modifications10, 120
Telephone preparation94
Temperature display
outside temperature69
Temperature gauge
engine coolant67
Temperature
layering87, 90
Temperature settings
air conditioning86
automatic climate
control89
Thigh support
adjustment42
Third brake light128
Through-loading system96
Tilt alarm sensor30
avoiding unintentional
alarms37
deactivate by remote
control30 Tilt function, passenger-side
mirror47
Tire change129
Tire condition107
Tire inflation
pressures24, 107
monitoring78
table25
Tire Pressure Monitor
(RDC)78, 109, 132
warning lamp17
Tire Quality Grading109
Tire replacement108
Tire tread107
Tool kit124
Torque140
Tow fittings135
Towing the vehicle135
Track141
Transmission58
Transmitter keys28
Transporting children
safely52
Tread depth, tires107
Tread wear, tires107
Trip odometer66
Trunk lid, refer to luggage
compartment lid33 Trunk, refer to luggage
compartment35
Turn signal
indicators20, 61
bulb replacement126
Turning radius141
U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading109 V
Vehicle Memory55
Vehicle weight142
Vehicle, starting56
Ventilation85, 88
draft-free87, 90 W

Warning lamp "Fasten safety
belts"18
Warning lamps17
Warning messages68
Warning triangle22
Warranty and Service Guide
Booklet (Canadian
models)119

Everything from A to ZWasher fluids114
Washer system62
Washer/Wiper reservoir,
filling114
Washing your vehicle, refer
to the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Water on roadways105
Weights142
Wheel and tire
combinations110
Wheelbase141
Width141
Windows, electric power37
Windshield washer reservoir,
filling114
Windshield wiper62
blade replacement124
Winter tires111
Wiper system62 X
Xenon lamps125